Builder brings cultural credentials to new Gold Coast Gallery

14 November 2017

A construction company which has built some of Australia’s most challenging and iconic community and cultural infrastructure will deliver the Gold Coast’s new City Art Gallery.

Hansen Yuncken, highly regarded for managing the technically-challenging Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, will be tasked with design and construction of the $60.5 million (2016 dollars) gallery at the 17-hectare Gold Coast Cultural Precinct.

Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate, said the selection followed an Australia-wide Expressions of Interest (EIO) campaign in May and shortlisting of leading firms to supply detailed proposals.

“We were spoilt for choice, with keen interest from leading firms across Australia vying for the right to design and build our new gallery.

“It was a thorough process, because we wanted the best of the best, and particularly a firm with a proven track record in quality cultural and community infrastructure.”

Hansen Yuncken has been entrusted with delivering two key venues for GC2018, Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre at Carrara and the Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre.

“Now they will continue on, delivering a long-term cultural legacy and jobs after GC2018.

“They have an impressive portfolio of projects nationally and serious cultural credentials with MONA.

“We all know MONA now, but by Christmas 2020, the Gold Coast will be the new name on the lips of everyone interested in art and design.”

Gold Coast City Gallery Director Tracy Cooper-Lavery said: “It will accommodate our multi-million dollar city art collection. But it will be much more than a gallery. It will be a must-see destination for residents and visitors to engage with art and design on a local to global scale. And the rooftop will offer panoramic views from the city skyline to Tamborine Mountain, bringing the Gold Coast into the gallery.”

She said selection of a project lead experienced in complex designs for creative, high-quality public projects would help ensure a beautiful, durable and functional international-standard building.

The gallery will complement the precinct’s new amphitheatre, (now nearing completion, with programming to begin following the GC2018), and Green Bridge to Chevron Island (which will commence after the GC2018 and be completed in October 2019.)

Design of the new gallery will begin early in 2018 with commissioning scheduled for late 2020.